World Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic (WBC) debuted 3 years ago to much fanfare. It was going to be to baseball what the World Cup is to soccer. Unfortunately, being spread out in several countries, not all the superstar players making appearances due to insurance or team commitments and injuries to key players have kept the WBC from taking its place as a important world sporting event.

The inaugural WBC was won by Japan, who opened this year's tournament yesterday with a win over China. On Saturday, Team Canada opens the pool that features them, USA, Venezuela and Italy. Let's take a closer look at Team Canada's chances.

They have a tough draw in the double elimination tournament by facing the USA in the opener on Saturday. The strength in Canada's roster will come from their line-up and their pitchers will have to try and hold their own while facing some big bats.

Leading the charge are the group of Major Leaguers who make up the roster - catcher Russel Martin of the Dodgers, 3B Corey Koskie who is now a member of the Cubs, first baseman Justin Morneau of the Twins, first baseman Joey Votto of the Reds, outfielders Jason Bay of the Red Sox, Matt Stairs of the Phillies and Mark Teahan of the Royals and who can forget former major leaguer Stubby Clapp (just a fun name to say!). The pitching staff is not as thick with major league talent. Scott Richmond of the Blue Jays looks like the number one starter and he'll be supported by Jesse Crain of the Twins. The other pitchers on the staff are for the most part members of Major League organizations but haven't seen alot or any action with the big league clubs.

Team Canada will put on a good show behind manager Ernie Whitt and if they can somehow squeak past Team USA like they have done in previous world competitions they have a decent chance to advance out of the Pool.

As for the other teams;

Team USA will feature starting pitchers Ted Lilly, Roy Oswalt and Jake Peavy and closers JJ Putz, and hard throwing right hander from the Oakland A's Brad Ziegler. The infield is going to hold this team together with veterans Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones and then up and coming super stars Jimmy Rollins, Dustin Pedoria and David Wright. The outfield is surprisingly shallow with Adam Dunn and Ryan Braun as the big bats.

Venezuela is able to throw some decent talent on the field at Rogers Centre. Felix Hernandez, Carlos Silva and closer Francisco Rodriguez will try to shut down the opposition. As for bats the Venezuelans will have some good lumber - Miguel Cabrera, Carlos Guillen, Melvin Mora and Marco Scutaro will patrol the infield and Bobby Abreu, Endy Chavez and Magglio Ordonez will be the outfielders. A good team with alot of talent, who should force the USA to work hard to win the Pool.

The Italians may be the best dressed on the field, but they will be hard pressed to win any games. The Italians don't feature many major league players. They will be led by former Blue Jay Frank Catalanotto and Nick Punto of the Minnesota Twins. They have some young talent in major league systems, but it will be another 3 years at least before the Italians will be able to compete.